Today I had a trip up to Monaco and Nice. The highlight for me was fulfilling my childhood dream of driving round the Monaco F1 circuit. As the race was only last week, a lot of the hardware, grandstands and barriers were still up!

Obviously, as a child I had hoped I'd be driving a 1000bhp single-seater around it, rather than a diesel Berlingo, but frankly, a diesel Berlingo is fast enough around there for me! It's utterly mental to imagine doing 185-190mph out of the tunnel, or 165 up the hill .. in fact it's impossible to imagine!

It's been excellent Jim. I'm definitely a convert to the French Riviera. An amazing place , and apart from one grumpy old man who shouted "No English, No Spanish"* at us, everyone has been really friendly.

Years ago in Lille (I think) as I parked our BMW & got out, I was aware that we were getting some very hostile looks from a nearby Frenchman - 'til he realised we were English, then his attitude changed completely & he even greeted us in friendly terms. You just never can tell.

Years ago in Lille (I think) as I parked our BMW & got out, I was aware that we were getting some very hostile looks from a nearby Frenchman - 'til he realised we were English, then his attitude changed completely & he even greeted us in friendly terms. You just never can tell.

Arrived home about an hour ago after a drive from Nice to Dieppe then a 5 hour sleep to Newhaven, then a 93 mile drive home.

Everyone bar that guy was really friendly to us. Had a bloody great time and will definitely go back to the same place. Loved it.

Going to go for a short bike ride and some pilates now to untangle my body after a day in the car yesterday!